Where to Go and What to Expect
For travelers seeking a wildlife experience unlike any other, a gorilla safari in Africa is often the pinnacle of adventure. Few moments are as powerful as watching a family of wild gorillas, just a few meters away, in their natural forest home. Africa offers several incredible destinations for gorilla trekking and habituation safaris, each with its unique landscapes, experiences, and conservation stories. Comparing the best gorilla safaris across Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo helps you choose the destination that matches your travel style, budget, and expectations.
Uganda: Diversity, Affordability, and Rich Experiences
Uganda is widely regarded as one of the best destinations for gorilla safaris thanks to its variety of experiences and more affordable permit fees. The country is home to more than half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas, offering plenty of opportunities to track these gentle giants in two key national parks.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is Uganda’s flagship gorilla destination, famous for its ancient rainforest and four trekking sectors. Each sector offers a different selection of habituated gorilla families and varying levels of trail difficulty, allowing visitors to choose the experience that suits them best. Bwindi also offers the Gorilla Habituation Experience, a unique opportunity to spend up to four hours with a semi-habituated family and observe researchers at work — perfect for those who want a more immersive encounter.
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, though much smaller, is a serene and scenic alternative with dramatic volcanic backdrops and fewer visitors. The park is ideal for travelers who prefer a quiet trek combined with activities like golden monkey tracking or hiking the Virunga volcanoes.
Uganda’s gorilla permits cost USD 800 per person in 2025, making it a more budget-friendly option than Rwanda while still offering world-class trekking. The combination of affordability, diversity of activities, and abundance of gorillas makes Uganda an excellent choice for both first-time and returning visitors.
Rwanda: Luxury and Ease in the Land of a Thousand Hills
Rwanda is known for its high-end, exclusive gorilla trekking safaris set against the breathtaking scenery of the Virunga Volcanoes. Its compact size and excellent infrastructure make it easy to reach the gorilla trekking base in just a two- to three-hour drive from Kigali. This makes Rwanda particularly appealing for travelers with limited time or those seeking a seamless, luxury safari experience.
All treks take place in Volcanoes National Park, where lush bamboo forests and striking mountain scenery create a stunning setting. Rwanda’s tourism model focuses on low visitor numbers and high-quality service, reflected in the permit fee of USD 1,500 per person in 2025. While it is the most expensive of the three destinations, Rwanda delivers a polished, memorable experience with excellent accommodation options ranging from boutique lodges to ultra-luxury retreats.
For travelers who prioritize comfort, short travel times, and first-class service, Rwanda remains unmatched. The country’s dedication to conservation and community empowerment adds even more meaning to your visit.
Democratic Republic of Congo: Adventure and Wilderness
For travelers craving adventure and an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, the Democratic Republic of Congo offers a wild and unfiltered alternative. Congo is the only place where you can see both mountain gorillas and eastern lowland gorillas, making it a unique destination for primate enthusiasts.
Virunga National Park provides an adventurous mountain gorilla trekking experience in one of Africa’s most biodiverse and remote regions. The park is less commercialized than its counterparts, which means fewer crowds and a raw connection with nature.
In Kahuzi-Biega National Park, visitors can track the rare eastern lowland gorillas, which are larger and more robust than mountain gorillas. This park is one of Africa’s hidden gems, offering remarkable primate viewing for those willing to venture far from the usual tourist paths.
Congo’s gorilla permits are the most affordable, generally around USD 400–500 per person, but travel here requires careful planning and a spirit of resilience due to logistical and safety challenges. For seasoned travelers and wildlife lovers eager for a more rugged adventure, Congo delivers an unforgettable safari.
Choosing the Right Gorilla Safari
Each destination brings something unique to the table. Uganda is ideal for those looking for variety, value, and longer encounters through the habituation experience. Rwanda suits travelers seeking ease, luxury, and a seamless journey. Congo appeals to intrepid explorers eager to experience gorilla trekking in its most untamed form.
No matter where you choose to go, a gorilla safari is much more than a holiday — it’s a deeply moving encounter with one of our closest relatives and a meaningful way to support conservation and local communities. Whichever path you choose, you are sure to come away with memories and stories to last a lifetime.
